The first attempts were made using base game + GOF 1.2 full release 1.0 patch from MODDB.
2nd attempt was made using just the 1.2 full release from MODDB without anything added but the Start.ini. (no base game)
I didn't know Maelstrom relies on a very specific version of GOF. My internet is really slow so it may take some time to get the version you suggested. Thanks for the help.